Court Consultant

The following information is furnished to help Council staff and those people considering joining the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council to understand and appreciate the general work content of their post and the role they are to play in theorganisation. The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this Job Profile are indicative and may vary over time. Post holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, level and scope of the post and the gradehas been established on this basis.

For posts where employees speak directly to members of the Public the post holder is required to demonstrate their ability to speak fluently in English.

The employee competencies are the minimum standard of behaviour expected by the Council of all its employeesand the management competencies outlined are those relevant for a post operating at this level within our organisation.

Both sets of competencies will be used at interview stage and will not be used for short listing purposes. **Please see the separate guidance information on how to complete the form located on Bradnet.**

- To case manage and track the progression of care and discharge proceedings cases originating in Bradford Council against the agreed timescales and to ensure that all parties including lawyers, social work teams, IRO’s and Children’s Guardian’s understandat the outset of each case, the role of the Court Consultant and their duties to ensure that court directions are met and handled in a timely fashion in accordance with the timescales of the child.
- Work with key stakeholders to devise and implement new ways of working and set clear standards in respect of court directed work, supporting operational changes where necessary to improve standards.
- To be delegated supplementary supervisory responsibilities in relation to PLO and care proceedings cases for a number of less experienced workers within the department.
- To provide direct guidance and consultation to Social Workers, Practice Supervisors and Team Managers who are managing care proceedings cases. This will include the provision of direct support and quality assurance of statements and care plans and supportingthe preparation of Social Workers for giving evidence in court.
- To collect, monitor and analyse data in relation to team performance in Public Law Outline and Care Proceedings cases to contribute to the organisational goal of driving up the standard of social work practice and improving outcomes consistent with thedepartment’s service improvement plan.
- To represent the local authority at a number of regional meetings with key stakeholders from other Local Authorities and key partner agencies including HMCTS and CAFCASS to identify emerging trends and developments within the family courts which may requirepolicy changes and have resource implicationsfor the authority.